Love's Labor Day's Lost Weekend

Agatha, Pert, koALa, and the EvaDewer head down to PCB this weekend for days of fun and frivolity. Katrina didn't damage the building at all, as far as I know, but it will be interesting to see how much beach we have left. We keep bringing sand in, and Mother Nature keeps taking it away. I see that battle going only one way in the long run, but we'll see.

I'll post some pictures when we get back (or maybe even while we're there, if I'm lucky).

Pert and I are gonna take in a rarity in baseball these days: We're going to a doubleheader tomorrow night at Turner Field. Should be some fun! Thanks to Agatha for the tickets, and to the aforementioned Mama Nature for raining out the original date (last night), thus forcing the two-fer.

Questions on everyone's mind:

1. Is the Gockster going to Orbfest 2005? Is there going to be one?
2. Can the EvaDewer really sit through two whole baseball games?
3. Once we get to the beach, will we really return?

Time will tell.

Recent Anonymous Comment Flood

I've set the blogs to accept comments from members only. It seems that Eva Pictures has been found. Sorry about that. Somebody has to fuck up everything. I'm not a capital punishment guy, but I swear to god...

Let me know if you get impacted in any way when trying to comment or post.

Thanks,
Yer friendly admin

Jump start

Social Bookmarking

For them what thinks they might get use out of this, try it out.
I just registered, myself, on the advice of a coworker.

Ahhhhhhhhhh

You know, I once had to learn a lot of this stuff.

It seems like maybe it's time for a fresh post.

Rod the Bod takes a hit

Click on the image for a better view (now with the followup)

Happy Birthday To Daya

Happy Birthday To Daya
By now it is August 14th in Germany, so Greetings and Salutations to Dipity Do on the occasion of yet another anniversary of his fortuitous arrival into this world of weirdos. His handsomeness is much admired this side of the Atlantic and his wisdom is lauded worldwide. Yet he remains ever humble and respectful of his elders. A gentleman and a scholar, let us praise his works.
Happy Birthday OML

"You can do it!" "Sure, but you suck!"

The Bears are the Bears are the Bears...

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Oxygen drops (Oxymune)? Local friend (our optometrist) suggests. Any comments, opinions, suggestions? About all oxygen therapy EXCEPT Hyperbaric I tend to say humbug. Hyperbaric? I wonder. Needs prescription by doctor, travel to provider, stay at location of provider. Medicare and insurance would not pay for this condition. Cost +- $100.00 per treatment and I infer that many treatments are recommended, maybe 40. I'm considering pursuing this, ie: trying to get a prescription. We could pick a fun location and make it a vacation sort of trip. Is this going to Mexico for almond seed extract injections for cancer? Or......? Honesty please.

September 11?

Ok, I don't get that at all.

That's a pretty heavy way of making sure you never forget your anniversary!

Who's going?

Free Credit Report: Info here

It was pretty painless to do. There are three agencies; from each one, you are entitled to a free report from each of them annually. I'm figuring on getting a free one every four months by rotating through.

JoJo's Pictures

Go to "Eva Pictures" to see photographs from JoJo's and KoF's visits with "the stars." KoF has the funniest (and creepiest, depending on your perspective) story about JoJo and his "encounter" with Adrienne Barbeau. (Sorry I kept editing this post, sending you each another message each time.)

Almost Blue

Two songs stood out: "Indoor Fireworks" and "Red Dirt Girl." We are sad to have been present for an excellent concert that we missed. (Ravinia on the lawn is no way to see or hear an artist.)

Looks like fun

"Reason for leaving last job: The owner gave new meaning to the word 'paranoia.' I prefer to elaborate privately."

Golf on Duff

Okay, what do you think of this?

The object is to state the main plot of the episode introduced. The introduction begins with one player's descripiton of the opening scene. The rest of the players then have the opportunity to come up with the plot description. The scenes are then described in order until one of the other players comes up with the plot. The players are given an adequate amount of time after each scene description to come up with the plot description. Judgement as to whether or not the given plot descripiton is correct can be a group decision. One point is accrued for each scene description needed, and five points deducted for a correct guess. The player with the least amount of points after a given number of rounds wins. A round can be when each player has had a shot at an introduction, just one introduction and solution, just one introduction, or when the players just want to quit.

Clearly, the player introducing an episode must know it well enough to describe its scenes in sequence. The more detailed and colorful the descriptions, the better. This should be part of the fun. Yeah, that's right, I said fun, dammit!

They just aren't even pretending anymore

Really nothing to add

Emergency Info. in Mobile Telephone

Under "ICE" (for "in case of emergency") in your cell phone numbers list, save the telephone number of the person you want emergency personnel to call if they come upon you in a drunken stupor. That way, you won't necessarily be hauled off to jail (unless you give them Daddy's number; he'll encourage them take you).

"Heaven Can Wait" No""Homo Innuendo"" Proven

Heaven Can Wait, No Homo Innuendo Proven

Despite a puzzling inquiring telephone call before Saturday night's excellent performance, the brave actors and intrepid behind-the-scenes participants in the second public showing of Kudzu Productions' Heaven Can Wait soldiered on undeterred. This reviewer, long familiar with the mindset of folks who make such inquiries, aware of their "common" (in at least two senses. Agatha) lack of familiarity with the American canon and possibly closely related to one of their ilk, couldn't help chuckling inwardly when Murray Sarkin, as Max Levine the fight manager, actually touched--quelle horror-- Joe, aka Farnsworth,(Greg Fitzgerald). Your dutifully vigilant reviewer listened intently for gasps or more vehement exhibitions of shock, but unable to detect any over the ribald roars of raucous laughter, assumes the homophobe caller either, 1. Stayed home reading Harlequins or 2. didn't find the male touching unacceptable and went home thinking maybe "that weird stuff" wasn't so bad after all.
Seriously, Heaven Can Wait is a good show, a fine evening's entertainment, and well worth the fifty bucks--or whatever.
Especially notable was Bob Smith as the smarmy, slightly slimey, albeit incredibly charming and handsome Tony Abbott. One was reminded of various Cary Grant/Tony Randall/David Niven performances.
Everybody else in the cast done good too.
Kudos to Kristen Smith who served as Stage Manager/Production Assistant and coordinated lighting and sound with admirable aplomb. Without her expertise, the show would have lacked a certain amount of atmosphere and cohesion.
The show will run through August 20, every Friday & Saturday night. Some Thursdays and one Sunday matinee. Inquire at box office for times and prices.-30-

"I did not have sexual relations with those two...

...not three times!"

Blair saying bye two Rove n' Bush. And by Rove n' Bush I mean a big ol' pair of turds.

Problem with adding comments?

Is anyone else having a problem with comments not showing up on the page? I added a comment under koALa's most recent untitled diatribe (j/k), which would be the second comment under the post. However, it isn't showing up on my page, even after refreshing the browser. Here's the wierd part: If I go in to add a comment to that thread, my previously entered comment shows up on the left side as having been entered.

Is my comment visible to anyone else? (It describes some side effects to the current experimental script that Pert is using.)

koALa & Pert's plans for the future incompass:

Selling the Indy house.
Paying off Mayo, Jacksonvlle. (They did not accept Medicare assignment.)
Paying off all other debts.
Having walk-in shower installed for Pert.

Then we will have no mortgage, car, furniture, medical or other debts.
All the big medical expense has taken place already and should be minimal in future.
We can live just fine on our incomes from P's pension, P's Social Security and my Social Security.

There will be Home Health Care available, paid by Medicare, I think, if we need it.
If we become destitute, there is always Medicaid.

Please relax your minds and don't worry. We are happy and day to day living is good.

All those jokes about the double wides were just that; jokes. (Is that the correct use of a ;?)
I wouldn't wish rural living on you guys, although there are lots of good things about it for us.
All that said, I still promise to call David to come live with us if it becomes necessary. You are all wonderful people and we are grateful for you, born kids, in-law kids, grandkids.

More for Tommy

(Bandwidth borrowed by permission. If you wish to share, please send file copies and not link to that URL.)

Bette Logan!

For anyone that cares, but does not yet know, I'll be in "Heaven Can Wait" at a local (Roswell, GA) theater, Kudzu Playhouse, beginning this weekend. The show runs every Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 for six weeks (through August 20) . There is also a Sunday matinee on August 7th, and Thursday evening shows on August 11th and 18th. More information is available here. Tickets can be reserved via email or phone. I'm not sure how necessary reservations are, but the last Saturday night show that I saw there was nearly sold out.

I really get to be an EvaDewer, in that I play Tony, the murderous personal assistant to the millionaire that Joe Pendleton inhabits.

Thanks to (y´)all

It was a stone groove y´all! Da movies was fly, the poontang boat ruled--with and without anchor, the rafting was fun, the fireworks excellent, the cabin perfect. Thanks to all who made it happen, it was great to see all of you.

Mister Cranky on Batman Begins

He pretty much agrees with OML here.

What's the difference between Iraq and Vietnam?

Bush had a plan to get out of Vietnam.

PertoALapallooza 2005 - The Misadventure Begins

"I invited them? I thought you invited them!"



First things first: Here is a reposting of directions to the cabin for this year's festivities.

Address:
The cabin: A Fisherman's Retreat
650 Blackberry Drive
Mineral Bluff, GA 30559
706-374-7740 (There is some confusion on this number. It may not be right, if memory serves.)

For the visually oriented:
Map of Blackberry Drive, Mineral Bluff

Directions
From Loving Road/76, leaving from Pertoalaville:

1. Turn right off of Loving Road onto 76
2. Go to the intersection of 515/60. Turn right (North) onto Hwy 60 (Lakewood Highway).
3. Go 1.8 miles to Railroad Avenue, turn left.
4. Go .3 miles to Mountain River Road, turn right. You will go across a wooden bridge. Stay on the main paved road for about .5 mile to Blackberry Drive, and turn right.
5. Go .6 mile to the dead end. There is a gate. Open the gate and continue to the cabin. There is a Tica Cabin Rental sign at the driveway.

From Atlanta International Airport and Gun Show:

1. Go North on the I-75 N/I-85 N entry ramp out of Atlanta, through Marietta
2. Continue on I-75 N toward Marietta/Chattanooga - go 18 miles
3. Take the I-575 N exit 268 to Canton - go 31 miles

• becomes GA-5 N/GA-515 N - go 15 miles
• becomes Zell Miller Mountain Pky - go 10 miles
• becomes US-76 E - go 16 miles
• Total mileage on this road: ~62 miles
  

1. Turn left on US-60 (Lakewood Highway)
2. Follow directions from #3 above

Tentative schedule, Non-Sequitur South:
Friday, July 1
1:05 - OML arrives at Delta International Air Emporium, takes train to Doraville, is picked up by The EvaDewer or his minions.
?:00 - KOF arrives at same, is picked up directly from airport. KOF is special, hence the moniker.

Saturday, July 2
AEAICP (As Early As Is Conveniently Possible, koALa) - The Nor-X contingency, with Berliner and Chicagoan in tow, will travel up to Pertoalaville, then head to the cabin in the afternoon. If the drill is the same as last year, we'll run over to the rental agency during the day (@3:00) on Saturday the 2nd to pick up the keys, and drive over from there.

Saturday, July 2 - Thursday, July 7
Naked, unbridled revelry

Thursday, July 7
JJG arrives in Hotberg, drives up, getting lost many times on the way. Note to JJG - Get "official" number of telephone at cabin before leaving the home of Dick Butkus, so that you may be safely guided in by one of our trained chimps.


















Note: Not all pictured family members will necessarily be represented; lineup and schedule subject to change based on availability, desire, and the amount of alcohol and/or coffee available. All ticket purchases, airline reservations, and other plans are final, and may not be refunded. Show is rain or shine, and buyer assumes all risk of bodily, emotional, and spiritual damage during water excursions, pyrotechnic activities, and red-meat-laden meals.

Your Friday moment of Zen

Nobody fucks with the Jesus!

Baseball for the Mature Adult

I have confirmed an embarrassing truth about myself: I'm a trashy, trashy girl. JoJo and I just came home from a dugout-clearing baseball-field melee (JoJo says it was a donnybrook), and I led the fans onto the field. In my defense, I only ran out there to save Chris, who, at that moment, was surrounded by opposing-team players. He had just taken the first punch, was jumped by three opposing players, with two more players heading in. Lucky for him and for me, his best friend Matt came cruising into it all, knocking over one of them like Terry Tate in that video that's going around. For a short time there it was JoJo and Matt against six players. Then it was everybody against everybody. I've never seen anything like it, although it was reminiscent of little league. JoJo is okay, but a couple of our players left the field with bloody noses. Well, one of them left with a bloody nose because of an accident earlier in the game, having been hit in the face with a ball off of a bat (I took him to the hospital), but that's another story.

I had no idea how dangerous this sport could be.

Another Cherry Popped

And then there were two.

T3 demolished the Windstar this afternoon when he sideswiped another car while pulling out onto Beaver Ruin Road. He is fine except for some small cuts on his left arm from the airbag deployment. Moby is a junkyard whale now. The other vehicle, a Mercury Mountaineer, suffered a dented and now inoperable passenger's side door.

Agatha and I were still back at the car wash, where we had taken all three cars to clean them up. I was vacuuming my car out when car wash dude came over and asked if the white van was mine, and told me it had been in an accident. I knew immediately what intersection it happened at (it was just a parking lot away from where I was, but not visible to me from there). That was the fastest, but longest, 100 yards I've ever run. I can't tell you how I felt when I saw T3 standing outside the van, apparently uninjured. It's a bit corny to say that I couldn't hope for a better Father's Day present than that, but, all else considered, nothing could compare.

Two cops, a fire engine, and two tow-trucks later (The other driver wasn't carrying his driver's license, so they towed his car, which was drivable, back to his house. I paid the tow truck driver, feeling bad enough that the other guy's week had already been fucked up through no fault of his own.), we (the family) licked our wounds, went home and initiated the insurance dance. I'll follow up on how that goes, because I know you're all *very* interested.

Conversations from my local video rental store

Conversations from my local video rental store.
The clerk, a lovely young local woman, is studying a large book and complaining to another customer: "I haven't had any of this stuff since high school and I'm certainly not going to need any of it in the field I'm going for my master's in."
Customer: "Well, Florida has pretty strict standards."
Clerk: "These eleven letter words and complicated math problems are so ridiculous, I flunked the entrance test once already."
Me: "What are you going for your master's in?"
Clerk: "Secondary education, I'm not dumb, I graduated from Emory University with a 3.5 average. And Emory's a good school."
Me, slightly taken aback: "Well, Honey, if you are going to teach, you never know what you might need to know. I'm sure it will come in handy later."
Clerk: "This complicated math and stuff is ridiculous!"
Me: "Well, good luck next time you take the test."
Clerk: "Oh, I'm not worried. God's going to be with me next time. He'll take care of me and help me through it.?

If we're lucky, this girl will be teaching our children's children someday.

This, That, and the Other

I'll try to get something going here early in the morning your time, if that's what you mean by a book. If not, well, tough poop! Other than that, I can promise not to forget to call this week.

Speaking of what people see or don't see, how does this site look on your respective browsers? The Kontakt link should be in the eye and the other two flanked near the bottom. It'd be great if any of you could report your browser name, and any "irregularites". That is all.

Neil Young Paraphrase I Liked

'A digital musical recording is always the same and always perfect. Analog is not quite perfect and always different. Therefore, when your brain hears digital sound it records it and recognises it immediately next time it hears it, and gets bored sooner. When you brain hears analog, it hears each repetition differently and discovers something new in the sound. Aand your brain finds this more interesting and stimulating. ' I say, that's possibly why some people, one of which I am, believe that analog, including tapes, but especially vinyl, sounds(sounded) warmer, fuller, better.

Still working on the book for daddy??

P never reads the blog itself, only his e-mail, and new titles don't go there, so he will not see the title of this entry, and neither will you unless you look in the right place.

Excrement

What is this apparent obsession? If anybody poops in my bed while I'm at the cabin, I don't know what I'll do.

Golf & Exercise Equipment,"FREE", You Haul

Golf & Exercise Equipment,"FREE", You Haul

1. Treadmill
2. Stepper
3. Tall man's golf clubs
4. Balls, tees, covers, old rags, towels, divot fixers, used score cards.
5. "MUCH, MUCH MORE"!!! Too wonderful to advertise.

ALL THIS plus more household junk will be available, "FREE, YOU HAUL", till 7/11/2005.

Arrangement for storage of no more than a month may be made if necessary.

NO CALLS, NO CREDIT CARDS, NO PERSONAL CHECKS, NO MEDICAID OR OTHER 3RD PARTY
CHECKS

Georgia in July

My flight into Hotlanta is Friday, July 1st, sometime after 7:00 p.m. Central Time, when the plane leaves Chicago. JoJo will arrive the following Thursday, driving to the cabin from Hotlanta. He and I can then drive to Hotlanta on Sunday, early in the morning, to catch our flight back to Chicago. This schedule (or JoJo's attendance) could change if our dog walker has surgery.

We can hardly wait. I hope we can go tubing after JoJo arrives, but understand that scheduling is always up in the air.

So scary about the water-front property. I'm with Gock on the WTF about the sand-stealing.

The EvaDewer's faith is tested

Relative lightweight storm Arlene didn't mean much damage to most people in Florida. Turns out, however, that we (Pinnacle Port) aren't "most people". Because the state not only failed to replenish our beach (we're considered a private beach, so no tax dollars could be used), but in fact took more sand away from us to replenish other beaches, the surf is now crashing against the foundation of our building, removing even more sand as it draws away. There is a video from the local TV station in the link, if you get it today. With any luck, the publicity will get us some help.

Shit. This could get ugly.

Happy Fathers' Day to Pert & Gock & EvaDewer

Happy Fathers' Day to Pert & Gock & EvaDewer
Hope it is wonderful for each of you.

"GOD IS FOR THE USA"

Saw this on a magnetic ribbon covered with stars and stripes on a local car today. This is the best one I've seen yet. My head is bruised from beating it against my car window and I am hoarse from screaming. Aaarghh!!

Pert and koALa, On The Road Again, Naturally

P & K ETD Morganton, 6/06/2005. ETA Jax, Mayo, 6/08/2005. ETA Home Again ???
Purpose: PT for Px, Tx, Rx.
Non jargon version: We are leaving soon today for Mayo in Jacksonville to see a Physical Therapist who will examine P, show him the exercises to do and how to do them, give P a list of what to do at home and a prescription for any appliances recommended for P. We plan to be home by night on the eighth, but may stop somewhere on the way.

Gockalina's Special Day

All eight of us in the Guarnieri household wish the happiest birthday of all to our brother Gyin. Love and All That Comes with It.

"And The Green Flag Is Out!"

It can some years sound kind of like, "And another foul tip," just to chime in with my Carey/Carnegie connection. I can't decide if it would be appropriate if JJ's first year were rained out, but I have fond memories, both ways.
No rain: I saw my hero win what was then "a new track record."
Rain: I got to know "Dick" Hess a whole lot better.

Wh00t! The gloves are off now!

Looks like we'll have another way to entertain ourselves on the way to the track! I wonder how much profanity is allowed?

The Thing That Wouldn't Die

Hey, I don't need for him to kick the bucket, really, but can't he take a hint?. At least this year we might get to hear him drop in mid-sentence. Surely this won't mean we can't make fun of him aloud, right?

I Don't Live in a Van Down by the River

. . . but I kind of wish I did. Mr. Man had a trying come-to-Jesus talk with Papa Gunne this afternoon at the hospital, with one or two of his sisters along for support. His pa owned up to some things and agreed to some things about which we had expected him to protest, all in all making the future look hopeful for his recovery (both psychologically and physically). He has back and foot surgery sometime in the next week.

Tomorrow, Mr. Man will be making arrangements to fly to Indianapolis this Saturday evening. I don't know when he'll fly back, but I'm guessing he'd like to stay until the dudes from Georgia leave. When will that be?

I'm very happy that he will get to spend time with you all. I know he'll have a blast, and a respite from this emotional responsibility will do him great good.

Goodnight, Mr. Funnyman...

Because I don't chew *my* cabbage twice, neither.

Vroom Vroom 2005

Pert, Thing 3 and I will leave for La Maison de Gock on Saturday morning, full of piss and vinegar. We'll stop and urinate at the first gas station, leaving only vinegar, which we'll probably use on a side salad with our Sonny's ribs that we get as we're driving through KY. (Who the hell am I kidding? We won't get salad.)

Before we get there, I intend to stop at one of Crazy Moe's Fireworks emporiums in Tennessee in preparation for the Codependence Week festivities. They'll probably be open on Memorial Day on the trip back down, but why take a chance?

We'll probably stop at a store when we get close and pick up a bunch of meat for cookin', chicken for takin', and beer for drinkin'.

I'm somewhat inclined to pull a little for the chick. That will no doubt subside when I hear the squeals associated with each mention of her name on race day. That will leave me with our best Buddy Lazier (you know, cause it rhymes with "brassiere") as my favorite.

Word on the street is that the estimable Jo Jo Gunne may be able to join us. I sure hope that can happen!

Just Words and a Tune

Slightly depressing news, makes my problems miniscule. Thanks to Gock for always digging in. Thanks to KoAla for being there, the same goes for the whole GA crew, without whom this form of communication wouldn´t be possible. Eva´s a mensch, and his old lady gets a ribbon too. Big thanks to Fools and her Gunn for continual support of an indeed unique kind.

The biggest thanks to Pert, for being brave enough not to play too deep. I miss you, and love you, and can´t wait to see you to celebrate our indypendence the way it's meant to be.

JoJoGunne Part II

I really hate for my return to the board to be under the current circumstances. The past couple months have been spent crazily, watching, disciplining and managing a supposed baseball team, along with my ever difficult father. I've been close to contributing many times, only to be interrupted by a whinny outfielder or whinny "Dad" or "Buddy." I have, however, been getting regular reports from KOF along with viewing the occasional day's info. My heart goes out to you all and especially P. I can't pretend to imagine what this is like but I do know how lucky he is to have all of you.
Ever since I was indoctrinated in Smithdom, I've loved every minute of it. You're a special, special group.
I've always stuck out in my family, love them as I do. The unorthodox one, the southpaw---but when I'm around you guys, I never have to worry or pretend or censor myself and that's really nice. I'm here for you whenever you call for whatever reason. P will always be in my thoughts as will the entire Smith family. I love and admire you all.

The Prius is here!

Afterdinner (Agatha, whatever) is now bragging about her 50 MPG vehicle. It's sweet. Lots of toys for me to play with, and drives like a dream. I expect we may see it come July 4th week. Don't everybody crowd around.

Take a breath, everybody

Yeah, we're all freaking out a little. All except the principles, that is. (Thanks for the calming words, Koala.) We've got a forum here for expelling our fears, ideas, and feelings. Let's take advantage of it.

I think I can speak for all when I say that I'm especially looking forward to Mem day weekend, and even more for "Cabin Week". I don't remember, irrespective of recent events, when I've looked forward to a vacation more in my life. Everyone in the same crib? This is gonna be a blast. Let's come forth with the ideas for the week. Koala has started the ball rolling with the tubing adventure. Anyone else have any itches to scratch?

There's a lot of shit going on here. Let's work through it.

P going To Jacksonville

Appointment next Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 7:00AM. Must fast for 24 hours before that. That's all I know. We will leave Monday morning.

Independence Daze Redux

I'm taking the whole week off. First chance I get, I'll make concrete arrangements to have the offspring for the same.

Meanwhile, what about "accidental rituals"? Think in terms of Calvinball in slow motion.

Non-Sequitur is One Year Old today

And they said it would never last.

Don't understand Social Security Solution?

Have a look at this.

http://www.bushin30years.org/winner.html?id=5498-4462310-LPubDo_Mj6TBU.pr3bfS8g&t=2

Timmy and the Remake Factory

I know he´s still capable of doing good work, but no matter what anyone says, the newest Apes isn´t something that´ll be watched again the way the original still is, and that´s with the Heston anchor. Or maybe that´s the point, he so bad it´s camp, and the Burton version is just bad. The apes looked better in the original.

So I´m telling anyone who´ll listen how important it is to see the original film version, "Wonka", before reading the book, or seeing the Depp do his what-looks-to-me-upon-preliminary-previewing like a gentler Michael Jackson-if-the-sugery-had-worked take. Yeah, I know. It´s truer to the book. Anyone seen Batman lately? Long live Adam West.

And coming to a theater near you: The Bad News Bears. Don´t tell me that they haven´t run out of ideas.

Childish? I'll show you childish...

Hope everyone has a great weekend! We'll be headed to Pertoalaville tomorrow mid day. Ahhhh! West and wewaxation at wast!

Psycho Bride

We saw this billboard Sunday night, before the "solved" update was appended to it, and wanted to take a picture of it. I just can't stop laughing at those "crazy eyes".

Fun with Nazis

This guy made me laugh, hard. I've always suspected there was more to "ol' horse-face" that just a radical right-wing agenda. It certainly helps explain her popularity.

Yank Crankers

I'm not much of a fan of this kind of chicanery, but this made me laugh out loud. I've had a beer or two, though, so don't hold me to any high standard of levity.

And I don't even know what that means.

Friday!!!

Hope everyone has their "O" face on this weekend!

Glin's Tyrade

It ends with, "That's the trouble with the lemmings that follow the flutes of the far right: they comprehend about as much discussion as can be fit on a bumper sticker, and they are almost that deep."

Pert Update

He went to cardiologist Monday. Will have an Echogram (heart) next Tuesday, blood drawn Monday, see his local doc Thursday, take Glenna to doc on Wednesday, get hooked up to a 3 day heart monitor on Friday; all next week. Cardio doc wants to know what is happening with his heart when his b/p drops like it does.
He does not qualify to participate in the Baylor study because he has not been diagnosed with SCA 10 (spinocerebellar ataxia). They have , however offered to make an appoint ment with the doc who is running the study. P says no, for now, maybe later.
Still waiting to hear from Mayo at Jacksonville.

Independence Days

I plan to be at or near the cabin for the duration of the festivities, ie. the cabin´s rental. Details regarding flight plans have been sent to KoAla and your Administrator. Due to the need to get right back to work afterwards, it doesn´t allow me the freedom to hop around the continent this time around. I hope I get a chance to see the whole Blog Team.

Back in Blog

I'm back after a week teaching the teens in Olpe, West Fallia, Germany, which was quite a pleasant experience. They actually wanted to learn!

I'm happy to hear that Burger King is still coming up with new and innovative ways to kill its customers. Okay, not soooo new. We have the king and McDs here, but, alas, no Wendy's or Taco Bell.

Sorry about Cleo. More sorry about Pert eating her.

Watched that clear minded Jim Carey thing one evening at camp. Not bad, in a nice-update-of-the-Being-John-Malkovich-idea kind of way. More importantly, Tom Wilkinson works.

Good luck to Pert on the Uni studies.

Dog gone, and other news from Koala

Reposted in a more visible spot by moderator.

1. Dog gone! Easter Sunday she left at noon to visit friends, returned at dusk. Monday she left after her and P's morning walk and returned after dark. We sort of knew she would leave soon after that. Tuesday morning she was gone when P got up, we assume for good. We think she decided to go back to her family of origin. I was a nice, mysterious, exhilirating, comforting, peaceful interlude and we will remember it fondly, knowing she is spreading her healing presence elsewhere.
2.On Sat. P goes to NorX to attend the Bell South Classic, (final round on Sunday), with Eva, using tix acquired by Agatha.
3. K leaves today to go to Indy to get Mel for spring break and is not sure if they will return to GA. immediately, the attraction to GA. no doubt will have diminished when said girl discovers absence of previously mentioned dog, which she anticipated with unabated eager anticipation.
Perhaps a road trip. K will consult Mel and Gock, and see.
4. K has recieved an e-mail from Baylor, saying they have mailed initial papers for a study they are doing on ataxia. We plan to enroll P.
5. P is visiting Darrell and "some woman he brought with him" at Granny's and then will take Glenna to doctor.
6. Daylight savings time starts here Sunday morning, and 8 days later, P sees the cardiologist. Yeah!
7.Petition your higher powers for lovely warm sunny weather next week, for my spring break with a friend.
I'm out the door.

A good walk unspoiled

Pert and I are headed to the final round of the BellSouth Classic on Sunday. We've gone the last couple of years, and it's always a good time. We typically wander the fairways for a little while, then meander over to the stands at 18 and camp there, watching each of the groups come in for the rest of the day, and wondering what causes the irrational devotion folks seem to have to Phil Mickelson.

Jealous? Well, you should be, damnit.

Have a heart attack...your way

Things like this make me proud to be an Amerkin. I wonder if you can get chili on it, if you ask nicely. Check the "Nutritional Information" under "more details", if you have the stomach for it.

In Praise of the King of Fools

The top ten reasons why KOF´s wish for peace won´t be fulfilled. Here we go:

10) Failing to blind copy a message is a sin. Moreover, by revealing the recipients, it makes my decision to post this entry an understandable, though perhaps unwanted alternative to “reply to all”.

9) Technically, one can´t pray to girl saints; at least not with the boy saints´ blessings.

8) The motivation to send the message—not unlike mine, that is, before I went over the five-minute deadline trying to decide whether of not I could just send it to the same people—was one long built on Pascal`s wager (paranoia).

7) The stars will never be aligned properly for such madness.

6) If God had meant for world peace, He wouldn’t have written such a controversial book.

5) Who says the world isn`t peaceful already? Naysayers, that’s who!!

4) Like most people, KOF probably missed the part about not deleting the message. I´m pretty sure it means, "never delete it," and not just, "don`t delete it before sending it." I see this as an intentionally, dirty trick.

3) The Homeland Security Act precludes it.

2) The originator didn’t say, “Simon says,” and KOF didn’t say, “Mother, may I?”

1) KOF deserves a hell of a lot better than world peace!!!

See this Slate article. Pretty funny.

"Important Changes to Your Citizenship Agreement
Please read and retain for your records."
By Evan Eisenberg
Posted Friday, March 25, 2005, at 4:19 AM PT

Connected

Well, I´m surfing with the radiowaves finally, though I had to go down the street to do it. I´m sitting in Boxhagenerplatz. Imagine Central Park scaled down to the size of a football field. I still haven´t connected to the network to which I intended, but I recieve it´s signal.

Perhaps one of the boys could recommend a good antenna? Then maybe I could keep my lazy ass at home. What kind of range do they have, and how does one go about connecting and mounting them?

Terri's "Supporters"?

Why is it that every picture of a group of lunatics fighting desperately to keep Terri Schiavo out of heaven, they're described as Terri Schiavo supporters?

Arianna Hates Freedom

Sorry, I don't mean to keep posting things of a political nature. God I wish California had elected this woman!!!!

Trixie, Dixie, and Bill Bixby

We now have six animals: a set of pets comprising three cats and three dogs, three females and three males, two black animals and two speckled/spotted animals, and two animals of light white or orange color--not totalling eighteen as this list indicates; I don't know how to list these variants. Our newest pet is a male kitten with thumbs. He is sweet, soft, cuddly, gentle, and shy, and the dogs love him (and he seems perfectly happy with them). The two cats, so far, are pretending he doesn't exist. (It's only been several hours since we brought him home.)

Because of his extra two digits (one thumb on each front paw), our dog walker named him "Mr. Mittens"--and he really has paws that look like mittens. I wanted to name him "Pixie," but my male spouse thought the name to be too feminine. Please, too feminine for what? Anyway, chanting in the car to amuse myself, after arguing about biases, sexism, irrelevancy, and the feline psychology as impacted by self-image, I came up with the phrase, "Allow me to introduce you to our three cats, Trixie, Dixie, and Bill Bixby." It seems so perfect, as long as everyone understands that his name is neither "Bill" nor "Mr. Bixby," but "Bill Bixby" (kind of how it's not "Alice," but "Alice Lee").

The Wolves Watch the Money

I guess most of you know that I´m the most likely in the family to believe in aliens and conspiracies and the like. Maybe it´s my need to find a greater meaning, to compensate for my ever unfocused changing of "careers".

Substituting one Wolf for another at "The Bank of the World" has me so giddy with excitement, that I´ve forgotten to get the slightest bit upset about it. Regarding the fact that it´ll get him out of the DOD however, I must assert that there are always more like him, or yes, even worse.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE SMITH'S

Cloe already spayed. I'm having trouble burning DVDs and finding files. P's cardio appt. was moved to April 11. Seems they didn't know March 25 was Good Friday when they made the appointment in the first place. I seeth, to no avail, and missed my dentist appt. today, thinking it was tomorrow. Nuts. Ever have one o them days? Still haven't heard from the Baylor Study group. Nor from, oh crap................................

Eva Rocks in "No Time For Sergeants"

Some of you may remember Andy Griffith in the classic by Ira Levin, "No Time For Sargeants." Last weekend our own Eva Dewer Dazzler killed in four different roles in said play.
As Inductee, he was tall, dark, handsome, and laconic, the epitome of a dangerous, lady killer, cowboy. (The woman sitting beside me nearly melted to the floor upon his first appearance.
As the Testing Corporal (the Don Knotts character, you may recall) Eva was a mass of jittery, fingertapping nerves as he tested Will Stockdale's dexterity at magic rings. No one who has heard Eva speak in his normal manly voice would believe him capable of the strident, tightly strung, all around bundle of nerves we were fortunate to see Saturday night. One had to see it to appreciate it.
As the inspecting Colonel he put the fear of God into Will, St. King, and a full house--overflowing actually--audience of theatergoers.
In this reviewer's opinion, though, Eva's rendition of the navigator, Col. Cover, was the piece de resistance. His back to the audience, he worked his direction-tracking-and-- calculating-apparatus masterfully, muttering, puzzling, insisting that what the plane was flying over, although it looked looked to the rest of the flight crew amazingly like dry land, was actually the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. And he waved the Atlas to show it was true.
The time (2 hours) flew by as the rapid-paced comedy garnered one belly laugh after another.
At ten bucks for old people and students and twelve for normal adults, this show is a bargain you really must see. The perfect hectic, hilarious, howler to usher in spring in Atlanta.
This reviewer's poor skills are unable to do justice to these barrier breaking performances; suffice it to say that this geriatric pair will make the 3 hour trip again next Saturday to see the closing night performance.
We may never again be so lucky as to be in on the birth of what must surely become a cult classic amongst the cognescenti. 30 BB

"Angel Unaware" Dog from outta nowhere

I got to this post site by clicking "New post from Evadewer" and logging in with my own name & password.
The spirit of the universe, aka, fate, fortune, whatever, has sent us a dog. She showed up a couple days ago and started sleeping on my chaise on the upstairs deck. She's been dogging my heels ever since. She looks like "Cleo" or if that is unfamiliar, like a Thurber dog. Black & white & tan beagle, I think. Pert got her some food and a dish and I sacrificed the cushion from my chaise--put it on the porch outside the glass sliding doors. Pert moved the gate from the backporch to the bottom of my stairs and we are trying to transfer her attachment to Pert. Right now he has lured her on a walk to the creek with garlic baloney.
She seems so familiar, she must(might)(could be) or not be a reincarnation of somebody I knew, and I feel like we are supposed to keep her. Perhaps for Pert. Grasping! Straws! Stupidity! Maybe she is Hunter come to keep me company.




Not the dog in question

Comments on the main page: Another change

I've hacked the blog a bit to allow expansion of comments on the main page. When you click the "Comments" line, the comments automagically appear below the original post. Clicking it again re-hides the comments. Let me know if you like it, or would prefer that clicking the comments button open a new page. It's a lot quicker to navigate and read comments, but it can look a little crowded, and probably costs at initial load time. OML, your input is probably the most valuable on that front. Let me know how it performs over dialup.

"Post a comment" will still require a new page, but it appears that Google has worked on the performance of their new look and feel for comments, and it comes up pretty quickly now.

Or do you just not give a damn?

Your friendly admin

Whoa

Time to talk about Skype again

Skype is software you can download that lets you have voice conversations with other people on the internet. I have it installed, and Eva has it, too. So, when we want, we can have conversations, toll free.

Here is a wrinkle that I learned about today: They have an additional service called skypeout.

It allows you, for paid in advance fee, to call telephones via skype on your PC.

The rate to call most of the places that we all live is about 2 cents a minute. So, for example, if I sign up and post some money, I can call OML on a regular phone for 2 cents a minute. (Of course, if he gets skype, we can talk for no toll!)

Check it out.

The Evadewer and Afterdinner's Most Excellent Adventure

Went to the condo last week to finish up the cleanup and have a little fun. We opted for a little more tile in the foyer, so the work won't be complete until this week, but the place looks great. The new tile in the living room by the balcony looks great, and the walls are much less cluttered than they were, but still beach-festive. I'll post some pics over on EvaPics later.

We decided to engage in some drunken debauchery on Saturday night at a local raw bar. Well, we didn't really decide to. It just sort of...happened. Sat down at the oyster bar and slammed oysters, two dozen raw for me and three dozen lightly steamed for der missus. We both love oysters, but it took a lotta beers to wash it all down. All things considered, we had a great time that night, and didn't feel bad the next day, and in fact celebrated Valentine's day a day early with a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant about five minutes from the condo.

And then, bad stuff started happening.
On Monday, both of us started feeling a little sluggish and weak. I got diarrhea that lasted all day and all night Monday night. We both puked some, Afterdinner copiously. We got up early on Monday, got some Immodium in me, and journeyed back to Norx (in separate cars, due to circumstances beyond our control). Felt moderately recovered on Tuesday night, but a little tired from the travel and lack of food.

Then it got painful.
I awoke at about 1:30 AM with excruciating stomach pain, and used various remedies to try to alleviate it, to little or no avail. Afterdinner took me to the 'mergency at about 3:30, where they doped me up real good, gave me a CAT scan (*upper* GI) and blood work, and found an abrasion in my stomach. Prescribed me some drugs for pain, nausea, and to coat my tumtum, and recommended me to an gastroenterologist (or something like that).

So this will be fun...

Update: Pert medical info

Nothing from the neurologist yet. Her secretary said she was going to talk to the refered to doc.
Yesterday P had me check his b/p immediately upon his standing. It went from 120/80=/> to below 90/70 sometimes and unable to detect by ear other times. (I could feel it by palpating his arm.) He had been taking b/p meds for a couple weeks and seemed worse. He stopped the b/p meds (quinapril 10 mg. daily, for those taking notes, how do you make a smiley face?) and has an appointment with Toth, regular doc, tomorrow to ask for a referal to a cardiologist. He and I agree that he should have a thorough check out and another treadmill stress test to rule out--or find and treat--cardiac problems. Even though the neurologist says it wouldn't cause the problem. New post because I got tired of looking for where I was putting new updates.

Does anybody remember laughter?

koALa is lazy, but she's painted all of the trees on their land. This bears starting a new thread, and I'll just quote koALa here:

• "There are only 143 (one hundred forty three) days left till we check into the cabin on the Toccoa River this summer. Anyone who can make it is welcome. There is a hot tub, a deck on the river, seclusion, nearby snack and goodie purchasing opportunities, outdoor grill, umbrella tables, lots of land to roam, a deserted road, cable TV, and cable radio, fun and frivolity, games, la la la. Come on summer? C Day is Jul 2, 2005. Do not forget. Did I mention free?"

I, for one, can't wait.

Peer To Peer beats Pay for Play

It's amazing how having the wherewithall changes the attitude of a naysayer about downloading music.

Mania Has It's Good Side

Today I:
1. Finished and made copies of all the medical reports. I have 3 copies. One to keep, one for MAYO in Jacksonville and one I will mail to Eva when he gats back from Florida.
2. Filed our federal and state taxes on line. Got 1600. =- coming to direct deposit.
3. E-mailed to myself all the e-mail address from the laptop and all the bookmarks from the laptop and printed them so I can copy them to the new desktop.
4. Had the downstairs deck painted. Last of the painting done.
5. Paid bills.
6. But, what do I do now? It's only 6:30pm and I still got lots of vim, not to mention vigor.

In praise of koALa

"k" is for the kids that she has spawned,
"o" means only that she's growing old,
"A" is for the alcohol that I drove her to,
"L" is for the lunch she used to pack me when she didn't make me pack it myself,
"a" means accurate, and accurate she'll always be

Put them all together and they spell "koALa",
I mention this because it's her birthday.

Original poem (bottom of page)

Big Mama Got DSL

I had to bring the laptop back up and connect it 'cause without the CD drive working we couldn't configure the desktop. And I had to go buy a NIC card for the laptop 'cause they don't carry them on the truck. So I set up the card and and the modem and am now connected to my DSL. I just got done and haven't browsed yet so I don't know what the diff will by. Nevertheless, rejoice with me, in the 21st century--well the low end of it anyway.
Yes, we can still use the dial up. Tomorrow I'll take the desktop back down for Pert to use with his e-mail until I get the network set up. I think I will do wireless.
There are boxes and papers and wires and filters and junk strewn all over the place. I'l recreate order tomorrow, said scarlett. bye

Kiritsis Dead

Jo Jo Gunne Celebrates Birthday Saturday

And I know he and KOF wish we all were there to help them celebrate. Congratulations Jo Jo for making it through the yellow eyeball trials to this welcome day. Best wishes from Pert and koALa.

Pert and koALa

If I am correct about the date, today they have been married a whole bunch of years, I suspect a couple years fewer than the number of years The Evadewer has been on this earth (although I don't have any kind of certificate to prove it).

Congratulations for making it this far, and we hope for many blissful years to come.

PERT'S MEDICAL HISTORY (wrt dizziness etc.)

I'm just gonna do my list here. I'll add as I get time.

2001, Summer, Indy:
Saw Quick Med Doc for dizziness. She suspected sinus or ear infection and prescribed ANTIBIOTICS and ANTIHISTAMINE. He took the prescribed medicine which had no effect on the dizziness.
2001, Summer, Indy:
A guy I worked with at Pathways had dizziness and been diagnosed with BPPV. He had been given an Antivert equivalent which had worked. We tried that. No effect on the dizziness.
2002, Fall, GA:
Went to local doctor, had TREADMILL STRESS TEST, CAROTID ARTERY ULTRASOUND, MRI.
Stress Test okay, Carotids wide open as they sould be, MRI showed Degenerrating PITUITARY MACROADENOMA and minimal age-related atrophy.
2002, December, Atlanta:
Had Pituitary adenectomy. Recovery uneventful. Dizziness unabated.
By now symptoms are : Lack of coordination, Disequalibrium, Dizziness, Some trouble swallowing, Some drooling, Excessive frequent yawning, slurred speech.
2003, January, Atlanta:
Evaluated at the Dizziness and Balance Clinic at Emory Hospital, DR. R. Tusa MD.
TESTS: Spontaneous NYS test, Positional NYS Test, Caloric Vest Test, Optokenetic Test, Tacking Test, Vertical Electrodes, Physical evaluation of gait. Dix-Hallpike Test with vidoe infrared recordings.
All tests were within normal limits. Dr. Tusa ruled out BPPV, which is the usual diagnosis everyone wants to work. His final assesment reads as follows:
"1. Chronic imbalance. No physical evidence for this on clinical or laboratory exam. Functional balance componant seen on computerized dynamic posturography.
2. Depression. This is primarily based on the PANAS scale, done on the initial visit.
3. Episodic vertigo in the past, possibly due to BPPV. This is not present now.
I suspect the original trigger when you were playing softball was BPPV, but that since has resolved. Now it is primarily a component of depression which is resulting in the chronic imbalance and dizziness."
RX: Zoloft 25mg. working up to 50mg. for at least 3 months.
Did this, ineffective.
That's all for today folks. Later.
NOTE: I HAVE EDITED DATES HERE, MAKING THEM A YEAR LATER THAT PREVIOUSLY.

kOaLa'S email

I can't get this to post on blog. It says document is empty. Probably my laptop. This is my solution.

I haven't done the past history yet, but in the interest of saving me work when I do get to it, I will post new results as they come in from now on.

MRI BRAIN WITHOUT CONTRAST 1/13/05 12:54 pm Union General Hospital, Blairsville
Routine sagittal, axial and coronal images of the brain were obtained supplemented with FLAIR axial images.

CONCLUSION: Moderately advanced cerebral atrophy. Chronic ischemic change involving the periventricular white matter. Empty sella is noted as well as pan chronic sinusitis. The greatest involving ethmoid and maxillary sinuses, as well as thinkening of the turbinates likely inflammatory in nature.

He has an appointment with neurologist in March. He will make an appointment with his local doctor to discuss these results, since they are greek to us.

Haiku By Melanie

Great!
really cool!
awesome!
not, not, cool! (confusing)
dear
many personalities
artist

Please Welcome Jo Jo, Official Contributor

No, not that Joe-Joe. That one's dead. This one has a Gunne, and has recently been mostly dead, but is still partly alive. So there's hope.


Welcome, Jo Jo! Have fun stormin' the castle!

Sorry, I Gotta Vent

I can't help myself. I wandered by a USA Today in the library, and my curiosity got the better of me.

There was a story and accompanying graph about the discrepancy not just between the exit polls and the vote tally itself, but the exit poll results before, and the exit poll results after the actual vote count started coming in. I didn't bother to link the on-line version, because it only has a different spin of the story without the graphic.

The exit poll graphic showed how Sen. John Kerry D-Massachusetts was leading the president 51% to just under 48% nationally. Then, along the time scale there is a few hour gap in the graph in which there had been no polling, because, according to the caption: "There were no exit poll results because of a 'computer malfuntion'." The time line picks up again somewhere around midnight, where the results indicate a reversal of fortune.

I'm reminded of someone's suggestion, referring to the 2000 election that on translate the same story to a banana republic vote scenario, that is a corresponding result, but with different names and all: "Goopeepee's brother is provincial leader of the district in question."

This time around we have Ukrain as an example.